Fire officials say firefighters responded to the condominium complex around 3:50 p.m. to heavy flames coming from the roof of the 3-story building.

Residents were immediately evacuated with the help of the sheriff's office.

"My best friend's mom called me saying that my apartment is on fire," said resident Carly Clayton, whose two dogs were still inside her condo.

Witnesses say firefighters went into her second story home and rescued the dogs.

"They were the heroes I mean they saved the dogs' lives," said Paul McManus, a dog walker who is employed by Clayton.

The fire was extinguished and under control within one hour. There were no reports of injuries to civilians or fire rescue personnel.

A complex employee told the fire investigator they saw lightning hit the building and then saw flames coming from the roof. After a complete investigation and interviews were conducted, the investigator determined the fire was indeed caused by a lightning strike.